Apple patent application covers case with windscreen for Apple iPhone microphone

posted by Alan F. / Jul 12, 2012, 8:44 AM

Apple patent application covers case with windscreen for Apple iPhone microphone

Apple's patent application covers a case with a microphone windscreen

A patent application filed by Apple was unearthed on Thursday, revealing a removable case for the Apple iPhone that would include a windscreen covering for the microphone on the handset. The case itself would be made from plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate, silicon or rubber while the windscreen would be comprised of mesh, foam or a feather-type of material. The windscreen, which would be sealed into place over an opening in the case, would line up with the microphone on the iconic smartphone and would be "designed to reduce wind noise, air blasts, vocal plosives, and other noise." Additionally, the windscreen could also keep dirt, dust and moisture away from the microphone. The application noted that the case could be called a bumper, skin or cover.

Adding a windscreen to a case is a big deal for Apple whose own cases for its smartphone have traditionally been simple, rubber bumpers. When the Antennagate left-handed death grip situation started taking on a life of its own following the launch of the Apple iPhone 4, the Cupertino based tech giant sent out simple, free rubber bumpers to Apple iPhone 4 buyers. Those who want more serious protection for their Apple iPhone need to look at third party manufacturers whose cases offer everything from water and dust resistant protection, to a built in QWERTY keyboard or extra battery life.

Apple has been awarded a design patent for its Smart Cover and Smart Case that protects the front, and front and back of the Apple iPad respectively. Opening the case awakens your tablet while closing it puts the Apple iPad to sleep.

source: AppleInsider

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20 Comments

1. Slammer

Posts: 1515; Member since: Jun 03, 2010

Ok, this is just totally ludicrous. The USPTO should not approve this. While putting windscreens on a phone case is nice addition, windscreens for microphones have been around for years. When will all this end? John B.

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 8:52 AM 15

14. sprockkets

Posts: 1612; Member since: Jan 16, 2012

But, but, it's on a phone! New and non-obvious! And btw apple was not the first with smart covers but grant them the patent anyhow!

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 12:04 PM 1

2. blade

Posts: 32; Member since: May 28, 2012

as usual ridiculous now they will target and sue case makers i thiught patents are granted when some new thing is invented broken patent system and craaple taking the advantage eagerly waiting when google gets patent on notification system haha and the copied notification centre on iphone gets removed

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 8:56 AM 10

3. fervid

Posts: 183; Member since: Nov 22, 2011

Wow, a microphone screen! I've never seen a microphone having one of those!

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 9:03 AM 5

4. Slammer

Now, if I were the underwriters for this filing, I would say to Apple: "If you want to put a windscreen on your case like other companies have put on their vocal mikes, go right ahead. But we are not going to grant this patent because this has obviously been an ongoing practice since radio." John B.

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 9:11 AM 7

5. superguy

Posts: 448; Member since: Jul 15, 2011

They're you go making sense. Which is why the government won't adopt this, Apple will get the patent, and start another round of patent trolling.

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 9:48 AM 5

6. xtian1103

Posts: 364; Member since: Feb 11, 2012

it's not everyday we are gonna answer a phonecall against strong winds and certain kinds of noise but when we do, this enters the usefullness of this patent.

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 10:10 AM 0

7. tedkord

Posts: 17312; Member since: Jun 17, 2009

No one is saying a windscreen wouldn't be useful in some situations. But this fails the patent test for new, innovative and non-obvious. It should not be granted.

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 10:37 AM 3

8. ivanko34

Posts: 617; Member since: Sep 04, 2011

Apple is really taking patent officers for idiots

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 10:40 AM 4

11. ph00ny

Posts: 2026; Member since: May 26, 2011

Can you blame them? USPTO really needs a wake up call

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 11:06 AM 2

9. andro.

Posts: 1999; Member since: Sep 16, 2011

Case manufacturers the world over are soon going to need to hire an array of legal representatives as apple patent sueing is inevitable. From now on case manufacturers must make cases which intentionally must leave the microphone massively exposed!!!

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 10:47 AM 1

10. tedkord

They will have to build in a scoop that funnels all wind to the microphone.

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 11:04 AM 0

12. jaytai0106

Posts: 1888; Member since: Mar 30, 2011

They really are giving out patents for "anything"... I'm going to file patents for random stuff related to smartphones...

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 11:25 AM 2

13. Fallout09

Posts: 421; Member since: Oct 17, 2011

I think this is a knee jerk reaction to the noise cancelation tech theft that Apple is being accused off. A sort of "backup plan" for them if they are forced to remove the stolen tech from their phones. It is just like their solution to the antenna problem... There is nothing wrong with your phone.....But, Free Bumpers for Everyone! I think they will be approved for the patent because the original inventor of the microphone wind sheild died of old age in the 1940s and can not dispute the first to market claim. Way to go Apple with great innovation! (insert sarcasm)

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 11:31 AM 2

15. paulislegend

Posts: 42; Member since: Mar 15, 2012

The patent office needs a douche!

posted on Jul 12, 2012, 2:25 PM 2

19. roscuthiii

Posts: 2383; Member since: Jul 18, 2010

That they do, it seems they already have an abundance of douche bags on hand.

posted on Jul 13, 2012, 8:46 AM 0

16. SlimSoulja86

Posts: 660; Member since: Nov 03, 2011

I just need one, idea, and patent it, and hope apple uses it, and bang! I will be rich! Who needs to go to work or school. Just patent useless thing and hope Apple uses it and demand the mola baybie!